What is Yucca?

Yucca is a shrub that is native to Central America. It is a perennial plant and has been used by inhabitants of Americas to make ropes and baskets for ages. Yucca is different from Yuca and must not be confused with it. Yucca is Caribbean cassava and is a different shrub altogether.

Yucca root can also be consumed, and it is known by different names in different regions. Some of them include Guardian of the Desert, Spanish Bayonet, Needle Palm, The Joshua Tree and Soapweed, Lord’s Candle. Yucca alone has more than 40 species. The most used include Yucca filamentosa which is interchangeably used with other species, and Yucca baccata, and Yucca glauca.

Nutritional Value of Yucca Root

Yucca is enriched with prominent bioactive substances which include Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and potassium. It is also rich in carbohydrates. Saponin is the most active chemical component of yucca, and it is often used to make thick foam in shampoos and other products. Due to yucca’s abundance with saponin, it is also used as sanitizer and cleanser. Yucca root also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Therefore, people also consume it.

11 Impressive Health Benefits of Yucca Root

1. Improves Digestion and Treats Constipation

Due to its enrichment with high dietary fiber, yucca root provides digestion tract with bulk and eases bowel movements. Fiber is harmless and also prevents from gaining weight. The large intestine controls the excretion process, and high fiber content in yucca root proves to be of great help in the process of digestion a well as in defecation. Lack of fiber causes hardness in stool and therefore constipation. Fiber adds bulk alongside softening the stool, making the entire process of excretion easy and painless.

2. Diabetes Prevention

Yucca root is incredibly low in glycemic index (GI), and people with diabetes are advised not to consume victuals with a high GI. By inducing insulin sensitivity, yucca root also helps prevent type-2 diabetes.

3. Cures Inflammation and Treats Ulcers

Harmful toxins and microorganism cause inflammation in the body. A high content of saponin and antioxidants in the yucca root are beneficial in lowering the inflammatory agents and other harmful substances inside the body. Antioxidants, fiber and other active substances present in yucca root have anti gastritis properties that help in prevention from and cure of ulcers.

4. Boosts Energy and Immunity

Carbohydrates are considered to be the main source of energy. With a high content of carbs in the yucca root, it is one of the best natural energy boosters. It is a perfect alternative for staple foods such as sweet potato, cassava, and potato. Yucca root is enriched with antioxidants such as zinc, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Together these nutrients boost the functioning of immune system and help to fight the inner toxins optimally.

5. Cures Headache and Relieves Stress

The contractile blood flow causes an excessive impulse to the nerve thereby causing ache in the head. Magnesium and manganese are great nerve stabilizers pain relievers. Therefore, it can be beneficial if consumed during headaches. Antioxidants and high content of other nutrients in yucca root that have soothing properties such as magnesium can help relieve stress.

6. Relieves Joint Pain and Arthritis

Copious amounts of protein are present in the yucca root. It is very beneficial not only for muscle growth but also in cell growth and repair. It also prevents damage caused to cells from various toxins within the body toxins. A 2006 study published in Journal of Inflammation showed that the nutrients present in yucca root, prominent ones include yuccaol, saponine, and resveratrol, are highly anti-inflammatory and quite beneficial in reducing joint pain and arthritis symptoms.

7. Prevents Hyperglycemia

Insulin resistance and lack of insulin cause a situation called hyperglycemia. Saponin is an active substance in yucca root, and it is very beneficial in the stabilization of blood sugar level, thereby preventing from hyperglycemia.

8. Helps Reduces Cholesterol

Fiber is not only helpful in easing the process of defecation and relieving from constipation, but it also has binding properties. Fiber binds the cholesterol and takes it away from the body through excretion, ultimately reducing the cholesterol level and improving cardiovascular health.

9. Support Weight Loss

Any wound received by either a cut or through an insect bite can be cured by applying yucca root extract on the skin. The high content of protein in yucca root is ideal for cell growth and cell repair, thereby increasing the pace with which cell formation takes place. The presence of high dietary fiber in yucca root not only benefits the digestion and intestinal process but its consumption also makes you feel full for longer and helps in avoiding food for more hours. Other nutrient-dense properties of yucca help keep the body hydrated and inhibit the body from gaining surplus water weight.

10. Help Enhances Skin

Due to the cleaning properties of saponin in yucca root, the blood remains clean, and the body overall excretes the harmful toxins out. This helps in keeping the skin healthier. It also makes it look cleaner, younger and fairer. The properties of yucca root help in keeping the skin tight and firm. Antioxidants present in yucca root rids the skin off free radicals and helps keep the skin fresh and young for longer.

11. Cures Atherosclerosis

Free radicals inside the body cause a condition in which body is damaged due to them, and it is known as oxidative stress. Antioxidant-rich properties of yucca help prevent oxidative stress and protect the body cells from being harmed by free radicals.

Thickening and accumulation of cholesterol cause severe problems in artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis. Accumulated cholesterol makes the heart prone to cardiac arrest and other types of malfunctioning. Antioxidants and fiber presence in yucca lower down the cholesterol levels and prevent it from accumulating in the artery walls.

Moreover, as an added benefit, Saponin is not only a wonderful cleanser in yucca root, it also supports hair growth. Many prominent companies in America include yucca root as an ingredient in their natural shampoos to promote hair care- making the hair voluminous, shinier and healthier and an overall cure for baldness.

Some Health Risks of Yucca

Excessive consumption of yucca has been reported to cause digestive upset, diarrhea, and hemolysis.

Still, yucca holds a host of benefits for overall health and therefore must be consumed in adequate quantity with the advice of your physician should he allows.

Michael Jessimy is a Reg. Pharmacist, Bodybuilder, Nutrition Consultant, Fitness Pro.
He is a specialist fitness writer that can easily craft pieces which are both informative and easy to read. Michael is a certified medical write and a qualified pharmacist that makes medical writing easily understandable by the general population.
Michael Jessimy range of expertise encompasses pharmaceutical and medical writing, White Paper production, as well as Fitness and Bodybuilding consultation.

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